LARRY ALLAN MULDER

LARRY A. MULDER

Pella

Larry Allan Mulder was born on May 16, 1954, to Marvin and Loretta (Kleinhuizen) Mulder in Denver, Colorado. He passed away at his home in Pella on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at the age of fifty-five.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 3, at the Peace Lutheran Church of Pella after noon, with family present 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a time sharing at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 4 at 10 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.gardenchapel.com

Larry graduated from Renville Community High School in Renville, Minnesota. He received his college degree in Physical Education from South Dakota State University, where he played basketball for the Jackrabbits.

On May 7, 1977, Larry was united in marriage with Ellen Louise Schmidt in Renville, Minnesota. They were blessed with three children: Allison Beth, Amanda June, and Nicholas Todd.

For the last thirty-four years Larry was employed as a salesman for K & M Manufacturing selling after-market tractor parts. He truly enjoyed the friendships he made while calling on dealerships throughout the Midwest.

Larry was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Pella and active in Adult Fellowship Together (AFT) and Bible Study. Witnessing the growing ministry and expansion of Peace Church brought him great joy.

Larry treasured being with his grandchildren, spending time with friends on the deck "schmoozing", and cheering for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. A passionate scuba diver, Larry earned his certification as a rescue diver before his lung cancer prohibited him from pursuing his hobby. From the time he was young, Larry was a sports enthusiast. He enjoyed the camaraderie and competition of sports, whether participating or supporting his children from the stands.

Those left to cherish his memory are his father: Marvin Mulder, his wife, Ellen; his three children and their spouses: Allison and Cory Kerndt of Pella, Amanda and Shayne Roe of Pella, and Nick and Kelsey (Rethmeier) Mulder of Des Moines; three grandchildren: Calla "Coo Coo Bird" and Colin "Big Bopper" Kerndt and Nile "Big Buster" Roe; four brothers and their spouses: Steve and Ev Mulder, Greg and Robin Mulder, Kevin and Michelle Mulder, and Kim and Nancy Mulder; his mother-in-law: Alice Wein; his two brother-in-laws and their spouses: Rick and Cindy Schmidt and Bill and Jill Schmidt; his sister- in-law and her spouse: Danny and Cathy Lindberg; and sister-in-law: Susan Barber; and his many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Larry was preceded in death by his mother: Loretta Mulder; and his grandparents.

Larry will always be remembered for his sense of humor and generous spirit. He lived each day as a gift from God and cherished his time with family and friends.